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Nottinghamshire grandmother says she could lose her home because of Universal Credit

Jean Godfrey could see her income fall to £400 per week Credit: ITV News

A pensioner who cares for her disabled granddaughter fears they could lose their home because of changes to the benefits system.

Jean Godfrey, from Nottinghamshire, currently claims £720 per week for caring for Emily Lydon, 19, but she says the introduction of 'Universal Credit' will see her income fall to £400 per week.

Universal Credit was rolled out in Nottingham on Wednesday 17 October. It's available to people who are out of work or on low income and it replaces six other types of benefits, including:

Child Tax Credit

Housing Benefit

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Working Tax Credit

It was designed to help people into work because it allows them to work and still receive support. However, it has proved to be controversial, with accusations of delays and claims that people will be forced in to debt through receiving less money.

Jean is now worried the cuts will mean they will have to choose between eating and staying warm. She's also concerned they will lose their home.

A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said:

"We understand this is a difficult situation and we are sorry for some of the communication around this case. Because Emily has turned 19 and left full-time education she is no longer eligible for child benefits. Emily now receives Universal Credit and a Personal Independence Payment. We have ensured she is receiving the correct support, and have backdated all payments, which has been communicated to Emily and her grandmother."